Getting kids to brush and floss twice a day can feel as impossible as teaching them microchemistry. They may be teething, and it hurts to brush. They may not want to get ready for bed. They may not grasp why it’s important. But don’t give up. Teaching children to brush and floss early will benefit their oral health and teach them good habits that prevent cavities and tooth decay.
IN THIS BLOG:
1. How common are cavities among children?
Cavities are the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S. Over 50% of kids aged 6–8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth.
2. What causes tooth decay?
Factors include poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar intake, bacteria, and weak enamel. Teeth with grooves or crowding are also more prone to cavities.
3. How can parents help their children prevent cavities?
Encouraging regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods/drinks, and scheduling regular dental visits are key prevention steps.
4. Why are dental sealants and fluoride important?
Sealants can prevent 80% of cavities in molars, and fluoride helps strengthen enamel, reducing the risk of decay.
Cavities are Common, Especially in Children
You may have had a cavity (or two) when you were little. You certainly wouldn’t be the only one. In fact, cavities are the most common chronic disease in children in the U.S.—even more than asthma!
Over 50% of kids 6–8 years old have had a cavity at least once in their baby teeth. Over 50% of adolescents 12–19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. That’s a lot of cavities!
Fortunately, cavities are preventable. Fluoride can prevent about 33% of cavities in baby teeth, and dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth. While many people think of sweets like candy being the biggest reason for cavities (hello, sweet tooth), they are not the only reason.
Cavity Causers
Many things can cause cavities to form, the least of which is a sugary diet. All that cavities really need to form is the right combination of oral anatomy and time. Let’s elaborate more on some of the key factors.
Tooth Structure
Some people are born with weaker enamel or a protective layer on the outside of their teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. This could be caused by genetic predisposition, illnesses during pre-birth or infancy, or other genetic factors beyond a person’s control.
Groovy Teeth
Not groovy as in Shaggy and Scooby-Doo groovy. We’re talkin’ Ruffles Have Ridges groovy. Some teeth, especially molars, have grooves or uneven surfaces that can trap food and build up plaque, making them common sites for cavities.
Bacteria in Transit
The earlier a child is exposed to S.Mutans (the bacteria that causes cavities), the more likely they are to develop cavities. Bacteria can be transferred from one person to another, like from caregiver to child, or from object to person, like shared utensils, pacifiers, or cups.
Too Much (or Not Enough) Saliva
Saliva helps wash away debris from teeth and saturates them with minerals that help build up demineralized teeth. However, if there’s too much or too little saliva, it won’t be able to properly do its job, opening the door for bacteria to get in. Some conditions, such as Ectodermal Dysplasia and Diabetes, can affect the consistency and amount of saliva your body produces.
Tongue-Tie
Some children are born with limited movement of their tongue, also called tongue-tie. The tongue acts like a washing machine for the teeth, rubbing food debris off the surface. Conditions like tongue-tie make it hard for the tongue to move around the mouth, allowing more debris to stick to the teeth’s surface and cause cavities.
Crowded Teeth
When a person’s teeth are close together or overlapping, food can get trapped between them more easily, making them harder to clean. This can allow food and bacteria to build up, causing cavities.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
There’s more to preventing tooth decay than brushing and flossing. Follow these helpful tips to further prevent tooth decay in babies and children:
- For babies:
- Wipe the gums clean twice per day to wipe off cavity-causing bacteria.
- Consult with a dentist about applying varnish to baby teeth when they start coming in.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.
- Schedule a one-year check-up with the pediatrician/dentist.
- For kids (3 to 12):
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice per day. Supervise until they’re ready to brush on their own.
- Ask a dentist about if/when dental sealants are appropriate.
- Drink water that contains fluoride.
- Eat tooth-healthy foods, including fruits, veggies, and cheese
It’s best to model how to brush and floss properly so your child can watch and learn from an adult. There are also some high-quality soft-bristled toothbrushes on Amazon designed specifically for kids. Children should only use about a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste and brush for around two minutes (depending on the number of teeth).
When Should a Child Start Going to the Dentist
Children should begin seeing the dentist six months after their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). Pediatricians may also start examining a child’s oral health around this timeframe. Going to the dentist at a young age will help catch problems early and get the child used to a dentist looking in their mouth.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association recognizes February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to promote the benefits of good oral health. They have created posters, posters, flyers, coloring sheets, and a program planning guide. If you’re not able to celebrate this year, keep this link handy for next year. (There’s never a bad time to promote good oral hygiene.)
Orthodontics Services through ARKids B
If a child has dental coverage through ARKids B, they may be eligible to receive orthodontics services. A Medicaid-enrolled dentist will have to perform an evaluation and submit paperwork to be approved by Arkansas Medicaid. If approved, the child may be eligible to receive services. Find out more about this new benefit by calling 1-800-322-5580, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Final Thoughts
Modeling good oral hygiene is a great way to get children to follow along. They may miss a day, and that’s okay. If they’re struggling to brush properly, there may be resources out there that can help. Consult with a dental professional to find the best options. Cavities can be expensive and cumbersome, but they are also preventable!
